The founder of a Nottingham charity has questioned whether sending out products like toothbrushes to local food banks is the best use of £100,000. NHS England has provided the money, which has to be used "for the promotion of oral health", with data showing over a third of children in Nottingham having visible dental problems by the age of five.
Nottingham City Council said it will use the money to send out oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste in both the city and county. They will be distributed in "food banks and similar settings", according to a council decision published on January 23.
Nigel Adams is the founder of Hope Nottingham, which runs 14 food banks in the city at locations such as Wollaton and Radford. Speaking about the NHS funding, Mr Adams said: "If people are struggling to afford food then they are going to struggle with other items like this and oral hygiene is definitely important for physical and mental well-being.
